About the Philippines

Manila is the main gateway to the Philippines and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MIA) in Cebu services both regular and chartered flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan and South Korea.  Davao International Airport handles regular flights from Indonesia and Singapore.

Transportation from the Airport

There are several reliable airport chauffeured car rental companies including Avis & Nissan, located at the airport arrivals area.  These car rental companies serve the whole metropolitan area.  Taxis are not recommended; particularly at night.  Hotel cars are expensive.

Business & Banking Hours

Metro Manila encompasses a number of cities and municipalities.  The principal business districts are Makati City and Ortigas of which we offer area maps and a selection of useful locations.  Private and government offices are open either from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. Some private companies hold Saturday office from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.  Most shopping malls, department stores and supermarkets are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.  There are 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores.  Banks are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with automated teller machines (ATM) operating 24 hours.  Visa & Mastercard ATM facilities are available.  Travelers cheque acceptance is limited outside leading hotels & largely restricted to US$.  Banks enforce low transaction limits.  Proof of purchase as well as passport is usually required.

Communication Facilities

The country enjoys international direct dial phone and facsimile service, cellphone sites, internet and e-mail facilities, and worldwide express delivery services.  Mail however, is unpredictable.  Most national dailies are in English.  There are five commecial-run, one government-run and one religious-run national television stations.  Cable TV is available in many hotels.  Foreign news papers and magazines are sold at major hotels, malls, and bookstores in Metro Manila and key cities.

More Photos of the Philippines

In hopes that you have time for a break.